$500,000 Federal Grant Brings New Safety Technology to Oskaloosa

Oskaloosa will receive $500,000 in federal funding to improve public safety through the SAFECity Initiative. The funding was announced by Mariannette Miller-Meeks and will be led by the Oskaloosa Police Department.

The grant will pay for new technology and upgrades aimed at helping police prevent crime and respond faster during emergencies. Several parts of the community, including local schools, will be impacted by the project.

One major part of the grant is license plate reader technology. These systems use cameras placed on police vehicles or in public areas to scan license plates. The system records the plate number, the date and time, and the general location where the plate was seen. Police use this tool to help find stolen vehicles, locate missing persons, or identify vehicles connected to crimes. The system does not identify drivers or collect personal information about vehicle owners.

License plate readers have helped many police departments solve crimes more quickly, but they have also raised concerns in some communities. Some residents worry about privacy and how long information is stored. Supporters say these concerns can be addressed through clear local rules that limit who can access the data and how it can be used. For further information about those concerns, read the information shared by the ACLU at the following link HERE.

The grant also includes funding for new body cameras and in-car cameras for officers. These cameras are used to record police interactions and traffic stops. Police say the cameras help provide clear records of incidents and improve accountability for both officers and the public.

Another part of the project is a real-time crime monitoring system, sometimes called a real-time crime center. This system allows trained staff at the police department to monitor live information during incidents. Data from dispatch calls, police cameras, and license plate readers can be reviewed and shared with officers in the field to help them make faster decisions.

The funding also includes a search-and-rescue drone. The drone can be used to help locate missing people, assist during disasters, or reach areas that are hard or unsafe for officers to access on foot.

According to information shared by Miller-Meeks, the SAFECity Initiative is focused on prevention, faster response times, and improved public safety. City leaders are expected to continue discussing how the new technology will be used, including policies related to privacy and data use.